One of my neighbors is seeking information on items her Grandfather brought home after his experience as a POW in WWII. She doesn't use reddit so I ,offered to post on her behalf.
Images of the items are here: https://imgur.com/wBytkxW https://imgur.com/X5sdIPw https://imgur.com/o2rnl1n
I have found out that the two blue patches appear to be for the job specialties for German Enlisted Personnel. The snake and staff is for medical personnel and the other symbol is for pyrotechnician as found on this Wikipedia page: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranks_and_insignia_of_the_German_Army_(1935%E2%80%931945)
I am unsure regarding the red piece of felt. I am pretty sure its an epaulet from a uniform; however, I couldn't find any information on the symbol on the piece. My guess is also that the 44 on the piece is likely a unit designation of some sort.
My neighbor would greatly appreciate any information about the pieces that could help my neighbor potentially learn more about or grant some insight into her grandfather's experience.
Thanks in advance for any insight anyone can offer.
I'm hoping a more in depth answer will be posted, but I do have some information for you.
The symbol appears to be a grenadier symbol, used commonly in different militaries. u/partymoses had a good response in a previous thread. A previous askhistory comment on the insignia
The unit 44 may refer to the 44th Infantry Division of the Wermacht. This unit was renamed around the time of the Battle of Stalingrad as the Reichsgrenadier-Division Hoch- und Deutschmeister, this could be the unit the red felt item relates to. I am not 100% certain on this though, my apologies. A writeup on the 44th Division by a reenactment community.